Plants aren't the only thing you should think about when you are planning a landscape. Rocks are also very important. They are beautiful and can be functional as well. You should choose the correct rocks for your landscaping carefully.

Landscape: Hardscapes and Softscapes

The term Softcapes refers to the living elements of the landscapes, such as plants and flowers.

Hardscapes, on the other hand, refer to the non-living elements such as the rocks and stones.

Rocks and Stones

Besides looking nice and adding a natural quality to your landscaping, rocks are very durable. This makes them great for walkways and retaining walls, or just to decorate a small pond or waterfall. The can be functional or just for looks. No matter what, using rocks or stones will make any landscape more interesting to look at. The type of rock or stone you choose will depend on what its use will be.

Rocks are particularly durable and not easily destroyed. They are perfect to use for pathways and retaining walls. They enhance the appearance of a pond mini-waterfalls.

Boulders Boulders are normally rather large rocks that work well for use in water landscapes. They can also be used to mark a driveway or the entrance of a garden. They can be very dramatic, and if placed correctly, will attract plenty of attention. Very large flat boulders can even be used as a place to sit and enjoy nature.

Flag Stones Flag stones work best for walkways and patios. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, but they are all thin and smooth. You can place them in different designs on top of sand.

River pebbles River pebbles help with water conservations, so work the best in dry climates. Besides this function, they can also look nice around plants.

Granite

Granites are very beautiful. They can be made into tables or benches, or stand alone as decoration.

Other Tips in Choosing the Appropriate Rock

1. You need to take the amount of space that you have into consideration. Do you have enough room for boulders? Are you putting too many rocks into a small area? Are they too close together or far apart? You need to find a balance so there will be enough interesting rocks or stones, without having too many.

2. The color of the rocks or stones is important. They can come in shades of red, yellow, white, or brown, gray, etc. You want the colors to compliment each other and the style of your landscape.

3. If you want the rocks to look weathered, you should use porous rock since mosses and other plants will grow well on them. This makes your landscaping look more natural.

4. To save your feet, you should not use sharp rocks around a pathway.

5. Choosing rocks that look similar, in shape, color, and texture, will make your landscaping look more natural.

6. If you dig a small hole for larger rocks before placing them, they will look like they belong, instead of being placed on top of grass or mulch.

Be creative when landscaping with rocks and stones in using them for functional and stylistic purposes in your garden. In general, the more natural the rocks look, the better.

About the Author

Transfrom your front and back yard by using landscaping stones for dramatic new looks and effects. Stop by for a visit at www.plant-care.com for more on landscaping tips and indoor house plant care ideas.